I am entering Grade 5 exam next month and i have some problem with the piece in list C.

I've chosen to play the one called Bossa Nova, No. 4 From Easy Jazzy Piano (Mike Cornick).

It is so easy, but what i am confused about is the tempo with which to play it. Written on top of the score Moderate bossa-nova tempo (quarter note = 132)..

What is bossa-nova tempo?? and i think that 132 for it is too high isn't it??

I 'm not sure, I don't have the piece in front of me, but I think crotchet = 132 is about right. This is from the wrong syllabus for Grade 5 in June. Bossa Nova is one of the 2003 - 04 syllabus which expired in March.

Presumably the tempo marking is the composer's ??

And yes, this was on last year's list, and won't now be valid for this year, as Noodle said. You'll need to check this year's syllabus I think.

Maggie

Sorry, Chopinisque, but you do have the wrong pieces - you are playing from the 2003-2004 syllabus that expired in March.

According to what I learned a few years ago, when presented with pieces not in the syllabus, examiners mark the performance and make a recommendation to the AB about whether to accept the piece (appropriate standards, and all that). The AB will hold a meeting to decide whether to accept this recommendation. This holds up the exam result for weeks.

You have three choices:
1) A panic-stricken study of the pieces for 2005-2006.
2) Pretend ignorance, offer your out-of-date list and hope AB policy has not changed.
3) Withdraw and take your time about learning the new pieces.

Good luck

omg i had a heart attack when I read this and a sense of confusion!

The pieces which you are playing is suppose to be from the purple book

I did have another thought - and I don't know the answer to this -

but do the syllabuses (syllabi) change world-wide at the same time as they do in the UK ?

What I mean is, if Chopinisque is not in the UK, might last year's pieces still be valid ? anyone know?

Maggie

Yes thats right Maggie. I think the 2003-04 syllabus is still valid until the end of the year in some parts of the world where exams can be taken less frequently than in UK. So, Chopinisque, where are you??

Hey guys, i was shocked with these replies...
I am in Egypt and the local representative of the AB gave me this syllabus when i applied.

I don't know but maybe in the UK it is different as here, exams are held only once a year.

It 's possible then that it is different.

I wouldn't panic yet. Contact the board or your local rep and ask for clarification.

Is there anyone from the board reading this can help ??

It may be fine - I hope so - good luck!

Maggie

I'm almost certain you will be ok with the pieces you are doing, if you have only an annual chance of taking exams in Egypt, but check with the board just to make sure.
email abrsm@abrsm.ac.uk

Christine, if you read this, perhaps you could clarify?

I really like the song "New Orleans Nightfall" that's from grade 5 isn't it? Just thought I would share my thoughts.

Yeah musicbox, I love that piece!! I did it for my Grade 5 exam last week, and somehow got my results yesterday...

I did my grade 5 exam (also did New Orleans Nightfall) on the 10th of May... How did you get your results so early?

QUOTE (Yaranak @ May 19 2005, 05:53 PM)

I did my grade 5 exam (also did New Orleans Nightfall) on the 10th of May... How did you get your results so early?

(Hopes the examiner isn't reading this) Well... he SMSed the representative...

It's a jazzy song. I like jazz reminds me of tap dancing which i also like. And night time! ( I wonder why)

I actually intended to choose 'Ostinato' in List C because I just have a thing for contemporary classical music and that piece was perfect!

But I chose the jazz one in the end.

But I am still going to buy that piece and learn it

QUOTE (musicbox @ May 17 2005, 03:51 PM)

I really like the song "New Orleans Nightfall" that's from grade 5 isn't it? Just thought I would share my thoughts.

I love that song to! I havent done my exam yet but i did it in bristol festival...........and i won!!!!